Green Lentil Stew with Ground Beef

(Sengeser - East Anatolia Region)

3/4 cup lentils, soaked in water overnight, rinsed
~150 g ground beef
1 small onion, thinly sliced
2 cups warm water
2-3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1 small tomato, peeled, diced
1 small cubanelle pepper, discard the seeds, chopped
3 tbsp canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt
Pepper
~
Plain Turkish yogurt, at room temperature

Cook the ground beef and onion in a medium size pot by stirring frequently. Add in the remaining ingredients. Place the lid open on half way. Cook for 20-25 minutes at medium-low heat until the lentils are softened, stir occasionally.

Serve it with a dollop of Turkish Yogurt in each serving.

Makes 2-3 servings.